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Performance opportunity: Awardee(s) will perform the 1st movement of J.S. Bach A minor or E major Violin Concerto with the Senior String Ensemble at the Gala Concert.

Founded and donated by pianist-composer Churen Li, honors young pianists who perform newly commissioned Singaporean piano works. Presented as part of the Singapore Music Teachers’ Association Singapore Performers’ Festival, the Prize recognizes artistic excellence and encourages students to explore contemporary local repertoire, develop interpretive depth, and contribute to Singapore’s growing body of music.

Commissioned Composers:

Syafiqah ‘Adha Sallehin, Shaun Choo, Churen Li

Debussy aficionados — here’s your chance to enthral us with the mesmerising piano music of Debussy. To celebrate and commemorate the rich legacy of the late pianist, Dennis Lee (1946–2023), outstanding pianists may be awarded this special prize and perform at the Gala Concert.

A total value of €3,000 of Tier 1 Basic scholarships will be awarded to selected deserving pianist(s) and string player(s) (violin/viola/cello) identified for further development to participate in FIMA in Berlin.

Trophies and a total of SGD$500 cash prizes will be awarded to outstanding pianists for their rendition of Chopin/Liszt.

(Participant of 1st Singapore Performers’ Festival (2006) and Master graduate of YSTCM)

“Performers can focus on bringing their own personalities and interpretations on stage without any pressure of comparison or competition with other performers. This is what a performing career is all about – being yourself and touching the hearts of your audience. It is definitely not only about sitting for music exams or winning competitions. My heartiest congratulations to SMTA for their efforts in giving young musicians here not only opportunities, but the right kind of platforms for them to experience the life of a concert artist and share their gift with others.”

(Minister of Culture, Community and Youth (2016), Guest of Honor at 6th PF 2016)

“They may be small in size, but are certainly big in talent!

Had the pleasure of watching young musicians perform at the 6th Singapore Performers’ Festival and Chamber Music Competition 2016. From piano to cello and violin, they performed complex pieces with such confidence on stage.

I hope they continue to pursue their love of music, and also share the beauty and power of music with many others.”

(Past participant of several PF editions - awarded Platinum in 2010 & 2012; she now enters her students for the festivals!)

“Performing at the SMTA Festival as a teenager gave me some of my most rewarding and formative musical experiences. It is a genuinely nurturing platform for young musicians. With the introduction of the Le Petit edition over the years, the festivals are now an annual platform that support students at multiple stages of their development.

As a teacher today, it is the first festival I recommend to my students. The adjudicators are active musicians who offer thoughtful written and verbal feedback, making the experience both rigorous and encouraging.”

(Past participant of several PF editions - awarded Platinum in 2010, 2012, 2014 & 2016; SMTA member,Singaporean pianist, Young Steinway Artist https://www.raepung-pianist.com/ )

A TRIBUTE TO THE SINGAPORE PERFORMERS’ FESTIVAL

“It is truly a platform that brings out the very best in every musician.”

I first performed at the SMTA’s Singapore Performers’ Festival at the age of 6, and it has been a meaningful part of my musical journey ever since. It offers a wonderful platform for musicians of all ages to grow, refine their craft, and gain valuable performance experience in a warm and supportive environment.

Returning to the Festival over the years, I have continually deepened my understanding of both myself and my music. With its distinguished panel of adjudicators and excellent concert setting, the festival nurtures confidence, artistry, and stage presence.

My early experiences here were instrumental in shaping my musical voice and paving the way for my international performances today. It is truly a platform that brings out the very best in every musician.”

(Student assistant; SMTA member, NAFA graduate, currently a graduate student in piano pedagogy and music education in USA, 2026)

“SMTA creates something truly special— a genuine sense of belonging.

Serving as a student assistant at the 8th S’pore Performers’ Festival 2024 and the 7th Le Petit Performers’ Fest 2023 was deeply meaningful. I learnt that what makes a festival run successfully is the collective effort of you and your team. What stayed with me most were the heartfelt interactions with participants, parents, and adjudicators, and the shared spirit that brought each festival to life.

As SMTA marks its 60th anniversary, I honour its role as a nurturing home for musicians and a steadfast pillar for music educators. Though I found SMTA later, I am excited for future generations and myself to grow and contribute to our vibrant community and to be part of the journey ahead.”

(Participant of 8th PF 2024 & 4th LPPF 2021; currently pursuing higher music studies in Berlin, 2026)
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVwHOQSjI1W/?igsh=MTZlOHZybjFrdTFrcQ==

“I had an exceptional experience at the 2nd Fiestravaganza International Music Academy (FIMA) 2024 in Berlin.

My journey began with the 4th Le Petit Performers’ Fest 2021 and continued at the 8th Singapore Performers’ Festival 2024 where I developed confidence, musical maturity, and motivation. The diverse categories challenged me to explore varied repertoire; performing a work by Jonathan Shin and competing for the FIMA scholarship were especially memorable.

Constructive adjudicators’ feedback after each round provided clear direction for growth. I was also honoured to perform at the Closing Gala at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concert Hall, gaining valuable concert experience.

Receiving the FIMA scholarship brought me to Berlin, where a rich programme of masterclasses, concerts, and workshops deepened my learning. Having prepared my repertoire at PF allowed me to fully engage and benefit from these opportunities. My second participation was even more rewarding, featuring a rare opportunity to perform a piano concerto with orchestra and conductor, alongside solo and chamber performances - significantly strengthening my confidence and stage experience.

Beyond the musical growth, the friendships and shared experiences made the journey truly meaningful as a developing musician. I am deeply grateful to the organisers of PF and FIMA, and I look forward to returning.”

(Participant of 5th PF 2014, now Poland-based concert pianist https://alyssakok.com/)

“SMTA’s platform has, over the years, truly become one of the most meaningful spaces in Singapore for nurturing young talent. I feel deeply grateful to have been part of this journey. Thank you for all that you do—please continue the wonderful and inspiring work.

Participating in the 5th Singapore Performers’ Festival 2014 was a truly unforgettable experience, made even more remarkable by the SMTA team’s incredible dedication. Every detail of the festival is thoughtfully and meticulously organized, from the registration, the booking of practice time to going on stage to perform for an esteemed jury, on quality grand pianos in beautiful venues. It created a supportive stage where young musicians like me have an opportunity to shine. Receiving the Platinum award and scholarship was an honour, but even more inspiring was being part of a community in Singapore where talent is celebrated, encouraged and nurtured.

As SMTA marks its 60th anniversary, I encourage future participants to embrace this opportunity to step onto the stage with confidence, share your passion, and trust in the festival’s superb guidance. You’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to showcase your music in a nurturing environment as well as beautiful memories and inspiration that last a lifetime.”

(Performed own composition in 6th PF 2016, complimented by MP Grace Fu, serving National Service 2026)

“Returning to the S’pore Performers’ Festival as an adjudicator’s assistant felt like stepping into the same room with different ears. As a participant, I often found myself listening outwards — seeking affirmation, measuring myself against others, chasing a version of “better”. Coming back, I found what it meant to listen inwards. I heard not just accuracy or technique, but intention, courage, and joy.

Being part of the adjudication process reminded me why I continue to practice music today — not to measure progress against someone else’s, but because music has become a source of enjoyment and personal meaning. Progress in music isn’t linear, nor does it look the same for everyone. Learning to accept this has been an important part of my own growth.

This experience reaffirmed my belief that music is something to be nurtured with patience and curiosity. I hope the young performers of today can come to see music not only as something to be evaluated, but as something to be enjoyed and lived with overtime. When progress is guided by passion rather than competition, music becomes more honest, more fulfilling, and more lasting.”

( YST student intern)

“As a student intern assisting the adjudicators, I was able to see things from a new perspective that was different from that of the audience or performer. Although I have had past musical experiences, seeing the adjudicators write down their thoughts for every performer so fluidly and nimbly, no matter the duration of performance, made me deeply appreciate their skill and effort. I can feel that they sincerely wish for every performer to put their best foot forward in communicating music through their performance; they did not hold back in giving words of encouragement and advice.”

“I participated in the 5th LPPF to increase my exposure performing in front of a live audience and to gauge how much I've improved in my confidence onstage and my own playing. I always learn something new from the adjudicator’s comments. This year, Dr Nellie Seng commented on exploring how to present a piece and bring out the character of the participants’ pieces. I also learn something new from listening to each participant's performance, what and what not to apply in my own performance and pieces  “

“I participated in the 5th LPPF 2022 June to gain exposure in giving a public performance. It is my first public performance. The takeaway for me was the overall experience of performing on a grand piano!”